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Bonobo @ First Ave

Jul 09, 2014

ODESZA

First Avenue was filled with energy on 7/8/2014 as concert goers got their dancing shoes on. Opening up the evening was Odesza, an electronic dance duo based out of Seattle. Many concert goers who were thrilled to be seeing Bonobo headlining were just as excited to see Clayton Knight and Harrison Mills open up the evening, many noting that they had seen them back at Mill City Nights back in February. The driving beats and light show set the mood, and the crowd welcomed Odesza back to the Twin Cities with open arms.

BONOBO

Returning to Minneapolis after his show at the Fine Line last October, Bonobo was welcomed back to Minneapolis with a sold out show at First Avenue’s main room. Simon Green, who is better known by his stage name Bonobo kicked off the evening by delivering "Cirrius", a song from the album The North Borders (2013). With funky rhythmic percussion and driving bass the audience knew that they were in for a night of dancing, and experiencing something different. This was delivered, with Green not simply being a lone, one-man show, but by his collaboration with musicians playing a variety of instruments. This created for an interesting blend of electronic sounds combined with woodwinds (flute, saxophone, and clarinet), as well as female vocalistAndreya Triana’s sultry, smooth sound.Green’s set only contained three pauses = otherwise, the music was constantly shifting from one mood to another. Each transition was smooth and sophisticated, flowing so well that many of his popular songs would meld together. With these extended pieces it became difficult at times pick out individual songs, but this was definitely part of the fun in this show.

This was my first time seeing Bonobo live, but I can certainly say that I’m looking forward to the next U.S. tour, and that if you’re looking for a show that’s going to make you want to dance, Bonobo the perfect fix